Bennett: Think Tank Influence Goes Beyond Research
Few think tanks perform registered lobbying, but that doesn't mean they try to move the needle through research alone, First Street Research Group writer Laurie Bennett argues in a four-part series examining ties between think tanks and the lobbying industry.
In the online posts, Bennett examines the influence of corporate money on think tanks and how think tanks try to frame themselves as independent and above the partisan fray.
"While think tanks can exert enormous influence on policy makers, the general view is that their impact is achieved through research and in-house expertise," Bennett writes. "Yet their channels of influence are often based on social relationships, just as in the lobby business. The ties that bind think tanks to major lobby clients, lobby firms and lobbyists themselves are many and intertwined."
Bennett also takes a look at how the revolving door between lobbying firms and the government is open to think tanks, with many registered lobbyists linked to think tank boards.
In the online posts, Bennett examines the influence of corporate money on think tanks and how think tanks try to frame themselves as independent and above the partisan fray.
"While think tanks can exert enormous influence on policy makers, the general view is that their impact is achieved through research and in-house expertise," Bennett writes. "Yet their channels of influence are often based on social relationships, just as in the lobby business. The ties that bind think tanks to major lobby clients, lobby firms and lobbyists themselves are many and intertwined."
Bennett also takes a look at how the revolving door between lobbying firms and the government is open to think tanks, with many registered lobbyists linked to think tank boards.
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